USA / Nevada
Rent a Camper in Nevada Vegas as Your Southwest Base Camp
Las Vegas is the best airport hub for Southwest national park trips. Cheap flights from anywhere, all four rental platforms and five national parks within a day's drive. Pick up a camper, skip the Strip and head for the desert.
Nevada Rental Pricing
| Platform | Pricing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoorsy | $85-$325/night | Largest Vegas selection, strong van inventory |
| RVshare | $80-$290/night | Good motorhome options, delivery available |
| Cruise America | $100-$260/night | Las Vegas depot, one-way to Phoenix or LA |
| Escape Campervans | $85-$170/night | Las Vegas location, one-way options to West Coast cities |
Why Las Vegas Works as a Rental Hub
Vegas gets some of the cheapest flights in the US. Spirit, Frontier and Southwest all compete here. Pick up a campervan from the Vegas depot, skip the hotels and casinos, and drive straight to Valley of Fire or Zion. Most people don't think of Vegas as a camping hub — that's exactly why it works. Low rental competition compared to LA or Denver.
Best Trips From Las Vegas
Valley of Fire State Park
50 minutes northeast. Red sandstone formations that glow at sunrise and sunset. Two campgrounds with RV sites (no hookups). $20/night. First-come, first-served but rarely full on weekdays. Perfect one-night warm-up before heading to Utah parks. The Fire Wave and White Domes trails are the must-dos.
Southwest National Park Circuit
7-14 days. The classic route: Vegas → Zion (2.5 hrs) → Bryce Canyon (1.5 hrs from Zion) → Capitol Reef (2 hrs) → Arches/Canyonlands (3 hrs) → Monument Valley (3 hrs) → Grand Canyon North Rim (2.5 hrs) → Vegas. This is the single best RV road trip in the US. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal.
Death Valley
2 hours west. Lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin (-282 feet). Furnace Creek has RV sites with hookups. Mesquite Sand Dunes at sunrise is unforgettable. November through March only — summer is literally the hottest place on Earth. Zabriskie Point and Artist's Palette for scenic drives.
Great Basin National Park
4.5 hours north on the loneliest road in America (US-50). Ancient bristlecone pine trees, Lehman Caves and some of the darkest night skies in the US. Wheeler Peak campground at 10,000 feet. Almost nobody goes here — which is the appeal. Pack food and water — no services for 100+ miles in any direction.
Nevada-Specific Tips
- → Desert heat is serious. June through September in the Mojave is 110°F+. Carry extra water (at least 1 gallon/person/day). Don't rely on AC running 24/7 — generators overheat too.
- → Fuel up every chance you get. Northern Nevada has stretches of 100+ miles between gas stations. Don't let the tank drop below half in rural areas.
- → Massive BLM land. Nevada is 85% federal land. Free dispersed camping is available almost everywhere outside of Vegas metro. Red Rock Canyon NCA near Vegas has limited RV camping — check regulations first.
- → Event pricing spikes. CES (January), SEMA, big boxing matches and EDC all cause Vegas rental prices to spike. Check event calendars before booking.
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